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Topic: Very strange ysart/vasart weight (Read 1485 times)

For general interest. This was sold at auction last week Not only is it on a stem, but it also has the small flat spot on the top as with the two known saucer weights. Sold for a nice sum. Kevin - I have a couple more images if you want.

I know of one other like it - shown in John Simmonds' Paperweights From Great Britain 1930-2000, page 91, where it was included as Strathearn. I have personally examined the one shown in the book and I am happy that is an earlier piece most likely by Salvador Ysart. How early is debatable - might be 1940s or 1930s.

The one in the book has canes that are difficult to match, but the one you show has canes that are certainly known in items from the Ysart Brothers days.

It was described as Victorian. Dimensions are 19cm high x 9 cm diameter. Estimated at £300-£500 and sold for £400. As you can see it has the 1 inch flat spot on the top as per my red saucer weight (picture at bottom) and the grey one that Kev showed in the CPC bulletin. These are the images as provided by the auction house and are uploaded at the resolution and size provided.

Purpose? I still think the "saucer weight" variety are candle holders, but these stemmed items are basic mantle ornaments (some folk might say they are wig stands).

The flat section to the top is obviously a result of finishing after removal from the punty iron - having attached it in order to add the "saucer" or stem. The stemmed one shown in the book is not finished smoothly, suggesting no intention for it other than an object to be admired. The "saucer" ones have a definite concave recess (Martin, can you please confirm that for yours?) which is why I think they are candle holders.